Chasing Shadows by Tom Jobling
by Thomas Jobling 1 Jun 2014 08:19 BST
1 June 2014
Chasing Shadows is, at last, a sailing book – a novel – for sailors, competitive sailors; whether new or old, retired or currently chasing a title – this is a must read!
Beautifully written, racey and engaging, Chasing Shadows is an exciting novel set the late sixties, early seventies, arguably the heyday of dinghy racing. It follows the 'adventures' of two northern lads as they embark on their quest for success: their aim is to win the coveted national sailing crown.
This, primarily, is Richard D'Arcy's story. It charts his journey through three life channels: sporting achievement; development of life-long, life changing relationships and how he acquired success in the world of business; from shop-floor to managing director. It tells of the chance meeting with Jonny Dubois who became the catalyst which transformed a dream into reality...
Drenched with humour and loaded to the gunwales with gaffs – mostly Richards – there is a significant romantic undercurrent which at times touches on the ridiculous. Of course the scrapes both boys get themselves into, while engaging in the 'chasing of young ladies' do not go unnoticed. It tells how romance collided with Richard, but it was on the penultimate evening of the championship; Jonny wondered if his skipper's 'race head' was securely attached to his torso, as they pulled away, into that final race of the championship...
From a sporting perspective Chasing Shadows is not your typical 'goal-mouth-struggle' rather, it guides the reader, whether sailor, or non-sailor, expertly through the eccentricities of the world of competitive sailing with an expert and descriptive hand – the author, Thomas Jobling, is himself, a championship level yachtsman. He has described in exacting, nail-biting detail, from regatta to regatta, from race to race, grippingly, how D'Arcy & Dubois launched their challenge from novice 'pond' sailors to claim their crown.
Chasing Shadows is a compelling story; it will make you laugh, gasp, make you cry...
Chasing Shadows by TN Jobling is now available online at Lulu.com here.